Sheffield United midfielder Nick Montgomery is facing 4-8 weeks out after having surgery on his ankle yesterday.
Bizarrely, Montgomery has been troubled by bits of flaky bone since United`s Worthington cup semi-final against Liverpool in 2003. And having aggravated it again recently, manager Neil Warnock finally recommended that the player go under the surgeon`s knife.
Montgomery joins Chris Lucketti, Leigh Bromby and Steven Kabba on United`s treatment table. Although he underwent a career renaissance in the first half of last season, “Monty`s” first team opportunities were expected to be limited once United sealed their return to the Premiership. However, Warnock selected Montgomery for the right-midfield berth in the defeat at Fulham.
Though many United fans may dismiss Montgomery`s absence from the side as being harmless, the uncertain performance by Mikele Leigertwood at Craven Cottage may force them to reconsider. Better the devil you know, perhaps.
The fit-again Paul Ifill will be pushing to take Montgomery`s place for Saturday`s home game against Blackburn Rovers, although new signing Colin Kazim-Richards will be chomping at the bit to make his Blades debut. Tenacious Chinese midfielder Li Tie is another who is still to make his United bow.
Share this article
